Krizanke Summer Theatre (Poletno Gledalisce Krizanke)
The Basics
Designed in the 1950s by Jože Plečnik—the Slovene architect credited with elevating Ljubljana’s status as an elegant and liveable city of culture—Križanke Summer Theatre has several stages including the outdoor Devil's Courtyard, which is designed to feel like a Renaissance amphitheatre with arcaded walls etched with sgraffito and embellished with decorative sculptures.
Take in a concert or a show at Križanke Summer Theatre or explore the venue while on a guided walking and river cruise tour of Ljubljana’s historic city center, during which you learn the fascinating stories and secrets behind the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Križanke Summer Theatre is an ideal place for lovers of the performing arts; with superb acoustics, the venue attracts world-class musicians and events.
- In case of rain, the amphitheatre has a retractable canvas roof.
- Important archaeological remains of the monastery are in a separate exhibition space.
- A restaurant is situated in the main yard.
- Check the venue’s calendar for events and showtimes.
- Tickets are sold online and on-site inside the monastery's old wine cellars.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Križanke Summer Theatre is located along Zoisova Cesta, one block west of the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana’s historic center, a very walkable and bikeable district. If taking public transport, take bus line 2, 3, 11, 19, or 27 to the Križanke stop, which is directly across the street from the venue.
When to Get There
Križanke Summer Theatre hosts events year-round. The venue comes alive especially during the Ljubljana Festival (July - August) with its rich program of concerts, dance performances and operas featuring internationally-renowned artists. Festival events are also held at a number of other notable venues and public squares throughout the city.
From Monastery to Music Hall
Križanke was once the seat of the Teutonic Knights, a monastic order that settled in Ljubljana in the late 13th century. After World War II, the Communists evicted the monks and commissioned Jože Plečnik (then 80 years old) to re-imagine the space. But when his work was complete, authorities deemed it too fancy for the party, causing the architect to fall out of favor. His legacy, however, lives on here, and in the bridges and pathways he designed along the river.
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- National and University Library of Slovenia (Arodna in Univerzitetna Knjiznica)
- Cobblers' Bridge (Cevljarski Most)
- Museum of Illusions
- Congress Square (Kongresni Trg)
- Ljubljana Town Hall (Magistrat)
- Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad)
- Ljubljanica River
- Ljubljana Old Town
- Cankar Centre (Cankarjev Dom)
- Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
- Preseren Square (Presernov Trg)
- Ljubljana Castle Funicular
- Ljubljana Cathedral (Church of St. Nicholas)
- Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most)
- Dragon Bridge